Ireland on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, report finds

A campaign aims to have just four cases of cervical cancer per 100,000 by the year 2040.

Ireland is on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 according to a progress report published today to mark the first World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day.

However, misinformation about the HPV vaccine has led to a lower uptake among teenagers in disadvantaged areas, the report also warned.

The vaccine targets the virus which causes most cervical cancer cases.

A campaign launched in Ireland a year ago aims to have just four cases of cervical cancer per 100,000 by the year 2040, down from an average annual incidence rate of 11 per 100,000.

The HSE urged people to get involved, saying cervical cancer is preventable, treatable and can be eliminated.

The progress report highlighted the schools campaign offering HPV vaccines to teenagers aged between 12 and 13.

However, it also noted previously-published HSE research showing vaccine uptake among teens attending DEIS schools in disadvantaged areas is lower than in non-DEIS schools.

It linked this to the disproportionate impact of misinformation around the vaccine.

A research programme has now started developing “tailored materials to support vaccine decision making in DEIS schools”, it said.

The HPV vaccine campaign was strongly supported by Laura Brennan who died aged just 26 from cervical cancer in 2019.

The vaccine was only introduced here in 2010. The Clare woman campaigned up to her death,  encouraging teens to get the jab having been told by doctors it would likely have prevented her cancer.

HSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry called on the public to support the 2040 target.

“We can all play our part by having a conversation with our family and friends, posting a message or video on social media, or putting up a poster in our community or workplace” he said.

“Together, we can encourage everyone to choose the HPV vaccine, choose cervical screening and to be aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer and seek treatment when needed.” 

He praised projects led by local community champions around information and awareness. One such project in Cork and Kerry is working with working with migrants, Roma and Travellers.

Patient advocate Vicky Phelan, whose third anniversary was last week, campaigned for better access to treatment and transparency around screening before her untimely death.

Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said Ireland is one of the first countries to commit to the 2040 goal.

The Women’s Health Action Plan includes €530,000 over last year and this year to boost screening and vaccination uptakes.

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Today, OPW buildings including the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary will glow teal in line with celebrations around the world.

Dr Caroline Mason-Mohan, director of Public Health at the HSE National Screening Service, welcomed the progress so far.

“Despite temporary fluctuations during the covid-19 pandemic years, the long-term trend in cervical cancer incidence, since the introduction of our cervical screening programme in 2009, continues to decline,” she said.

“We are performing strongly against the WHO’s targets and remain on track to achieve elimination by 2040.” Over 90 community champions have been trained to talk about HPV vaccination and screening.

The CervicalCheck screening training unit works with sample-takers such as GP nurses. It offers bespoke training for people with groups where uptake is low currently.